The CEO of Montreal-based BioAmber says it would make a lot of sense to build a second plant in Sarnia but it's working on loan guarantees in both Canada and the U.S. Jean-Francois Huc, in an email to Mayor Mike Bradley, says they're running a parallel application process in both countries. The company announced Wednesday its application for a $360-million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy had reached an important milestone but Huc says they're also making good progress in Canada. Mayor Bradley says he's been assured Sarnia is still in the running.
"It was important that BioAmber make it clear that while they're looking at a U.S. site, and there has to be full disclosure there, that they're also still very much considering the Sarnia site," says Bradley. "It was important that they sent that message out to the community and that they're very pleased with how the site here is working and with the community support."
Mayor Bradley says if the Canadian and Ontario governments are committed to advancing the green economy they have to come through with investments. Sarnia's existing $141-million bio-succinic acid plant received $52-million in loans and grants from senior government. The proposed second plant would be more than six times the size of the Vidal St. facility. BioAmber has an option on land at TransAlta's Bluewater Energy Park but is also considering sites in Louisiana and Iowa. -With files from Melanie Irwin